OK, and just damn it.......terrible sore throat...

[Hassin Bin Sober]

32. Iirc, zinc is the only thing that has some effect.

The zicam tabs aren't bad tasting. We have some airborne gummy bears but they taste a little gross. Better than chugging a whole glass. I think airborne is just vitamins.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/expert-answers/zinc-for-colds/faq-20057769
Will taking zinc for colds make my colds go away faster?

Answers from Brent A. Bauer, M.D.
There's been a lot of talk about taking zinc for colds ever since a 1984 study showed that zinc supplements kept people from getting as sick. Since then, research has turned up mixed results about zinc and colds.

Recently an analysis of several studies showed that zinc lozenges or syrup reduced the length of a cold by one day, especially when taken within 24 hours of the first signs and symptoms of a cold.

Most colds are caused by a type of virus called rhinovirus, which thrives and multiplies in the nasal passages and throat (upper respiratory system). Zinc may work by preventing the rhinovirus from multiplying. It may also stop the rhinovirus from lodging in the mucous membranes of the throat and nose.

Zinc may be more effective when taken in lozenge or syrup form, which allows the substance to stay in the throat and come in contact with the rhinovirus.